Lawnmower cattle moo-ving on from Roundshaw Downs

The cattle brought in to replace lawnmowers in order to keep the borough's largest nature reserve in fine fettle are moo-ving on.

Five Sussex cattle, brought in to improve the habitat for rare plants like the greater yellow-rattle flower and the small blue butterfly, have been grazing on Roundshaw Downs since late October 2012.

Now the bovine grass-cutters will head on to Old Lodge Farm near Oaks Park for the summer months, where they will remain until mid-September.

To say goodbye to the livestock, a special fun day (Friday 22) has been organised where host of cattle themed events including art workshops, talks and guided walks will take place between 11am and 3pm.

For more details contact the council’s Biodiversity Team on 020 8770 4203 or email biodiversity@sutton.gov.uk.

Councillor Jill Whitehead, chairwoman of Sutton’s environment and neighbourhoods committee, said: "The cattle have proved a popular addition to Roundshaw Downs and have done a wonderful job keeping the land maintained.

"They deserve a pat on the back for their efforts."

Roundshaw Downs is made up of chalk grasslands, a priority conservation habitat which, in the UK, is mainly in the south east.

Comments (1)

Report does not say what happens to the cattle after mid-September. Back to Roundshaw or what? News reporting is about thinking of all the questions the average reader would raise and answering them.

Report does not say what happens to the cattle after mid-September. Back to Roundshaw or what? News reporting is about thinking of all the questions the average reader would raise and answering them.Michael Pantlin